Contributing Writer
I have always been a little skeptical about the ways people choose to vote, and in the upcoming election I have, perhaps erroneously, decided my faith in humanity will either be restored or completely abolished.
When the Republican debates first began to air months ago, I did not miss a single one. I found them to be interesting and, unlike in previous elections, I actually will be able to vote, so the candidates’ positions took on new importance. I had my favorites, but in all actuality, it was like a circus. Outrageous and intolerable things were definitely spoken by some of the candidates, but they were the ones who were weeded out early.
When it came down to the Big Four, Romney, Gingrich, Paul, and Santorum, I always cheered for Santorum and Gingrich. As for Paul and Romney, I had absolutely no idea why Paul was still in the race (perhaps hanging on to an impossible dream) and Romney… well I just didn’t like his ideals and soon, I started to not like him as a person.
When it became apparent Romney was going to win the Republican seat, I was upset. Before when I had hoped that Santorum or Gingrich would win, I always compared Obama, Santorum, and Gingrich because I liked all three; I would have been absolutely okay if Gingrich or Santorum had become our president, and I’m all for Obama. Why? Simply because these are the people who have America’s interests at heart; not only the interests of the American elite.
Now, when I think about the possibility of Romney winning, it disgusts me because it would mean our nation would spiral downward — economically and morally — that the American people have entrusted their hope into a man who only cares about the rich.
In the Mother Jones video, which I encourage everyone to watch because it shows Romney as he truly is, Romney says: “There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it. That that’s an entitlement, and the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what.”
He’s saying that nearly half of all Americans don’t pay income taxes and are dependent upon the government, but his claim the people who are dependent on the government believe they are entitled is simply wrong.
Do you have any idea who’s included in that? Veterans.
There are so many veterans who receive food stamps and assisted housing, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Romney has no idea of the horrors that our soldiers face overseas, and he doesn’t know it because he dodged the Vietnam draft and flew to France.
Romney also says he and Anne have worked for everything they have. Well, that’s arguable seeing that Romney’s dad paid for his boarding school, his undergraduate education, his graduate education, and, when he married Anne, their first house. Seems like he was born with a silver spoon.
While I am not affiliated with any political party (I’m a proud independent), I can’t help but side with the Democrats this election year. This isn’t about choosing the lesser of two evils; it’s about avoiding a government with no mores.
Questions? Email Briona at bprice@fandm.edu.